Three months down, four years to go.
Thank you, Stonington — for trusting a young man with long hair and big aspirations for our small town.
I won't let you down.
Although the campaign is over, you can read all about my platform below!
Education has changed more in the last twenty years than most can comprehend. I don't know this because I read about it; I know this because I've lived it.
I was in elementary school when we transitioned from blue-book exams to laptops. I was in middle school when Ledyard Public Schools made my class the first to get Chromebooks. I was in high school when the COVID-19 pandemic drove us into remote learning. I was in college when artificial intelligence invaded classrooms.
I've seen firsthand the challenges modern technology, from cellphones to chatbots, can pose for our students: less achievement, more social isolation. As a part of my studies and employment, I actively review the latest in education research and policy. I’ll use that insight to steer Stonington Public Schools forward, addressing teacher morale, student well‑being, and academic excellence.
Modern problems require modern solutions — if we play our cards right, we can turn these challenges into opportunities.
Fiscal Responsibility
In 2025–26, the Stonington Public Schools budget topped $45 million, representing about 55% of the town’s budget.
If we’re going to increase investments (for inflation, staffing, or innovation) then every dollar must be monitored, scrutinized, and spent thoughtfully. I commit to securing transparency and accountability in school spending.
Empathy and Civility
The Boards of Education, Selectmen, and Finance all shape our town’s future. I believe humane, humble, and honest leadership strengthens communication and trust.
I commit to a clean campaign: no personal attacks, only policy-based debate.
I’ll host monthly coffee hours and welcome feedback directly from students, staff, parents, and PTA groups.
Middle School Crisis
On June 16, 2025, Stonington voters approved creating a K–12 School Building Committee to plan and guide improvements, prioritizing the middle school situation. I will respect and support their authority.
The arrival of portable classrooms is a start but not nearly enough. We must listen: hosting community sessions, gathering broad feedback, and understanding real concerns.
I will not support any plan that brings us back to the old Mistuxet site. Rational and community-based planning must take the lead.
I am currently serving on the Stonington Board of Education, having been unanimously appointed to fill a vacancy in August of 2025 and elected to a full four-year term on November 4th, 2025. Previously, I was elected Chairman of Stonington’s first Ethics Commission at age 20, guiding the town’s efforts to set clear, fair ethical standards for public officials and ensuring the integrity of local government. Additionally, I spent most of my three years at Mystic Aquarium educating thousands of visitors daily. I shared facts about marine animals, conservation, and environmental stewardship — along the way, I fell in love with the act of instruction.
I've designed and taught First-Year Seminars and writing courses for incoming college students, focusing on critical thinking, communication skills, and academic confidence. I've also been a Writing Fellow, offering in-depth feedback and coaching to help students refine their writing style, and a professional tutor across multiple subjects, meeting students at their skill level and helping them reach their academic goals.
I founded and managed a small Peer Mentor Program at UConn, pairing first-generation and low-income students with trained peer mentors to navigate college life. Additionally, I've secured and managed grant funding to deliver workshops, leadership events, and skill-building programs. My ultimate goal is to always create safe, inclusive spaces for students to ask questions, build networks, and gain resources to thrive both academically and personally.
Before serving on the Stonington Board of Education, I was elected student leader and served for two years on the University of Connecticut's Faculty Senate. I have served on committees responsible for enrollment planning (tracking statewide trends in student numbers) and curriculum development (finalizing the new Common Curriculum launching in Fall 2025). Additionally, I've advocated for reforms that increased transparency, improved representation, and amplified the voices of underrepresented groups.
Check out my Facebook page! I make an honest effort to post updates regularly. Please follow and share my page!
Email me! I'm always looking for feedback — positive, negative, or somewhere in between.
Paid for and approved by Zachary Joseph Boudah
